The Panthers are considered 6 1/2-point favorites against the Cardinals. The line opened at 4 1/2 points, according to VegasInsider.com.

Lindley will be facing a Panthers defense that allowed 227.8 passing yards per game during the regular season. Carolina also allowed 25 passing touchdowns in 16 games, while totaling 14 interceptions and 40 sacks.

Cardinals' Ryan Lindley tosses two scores Week 17

Lindley completed 23 of 39 passes for 316 yards. He threw two touchdowns, but also added three interceptions during the contest. When Lindley had time to throw, he was able to take shots down the field. He averaged 8.1 yards per completion. Drew Stanton's status remains up in the air, meaning Lindley could start the team's first playoff game next week. The Cardinals are set to take on the Panthers. The Panthers are favored by -4.5 points.

Report: Cardinals reverse course, will start QB Ryan Lindley

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(12/25/14) Cardinals coach Bruce Arians has changed his mind and will start quarterback Ryan Lindley, not rookie Logan Thomas, in Sunday's game at San Francisco, reports the Arizona Republic. Lindley hit 18 of 44 throws for 216 yards with an interception in the Week 16 loss to Seattle. He has not thrown a touchdown in 225 career pass attempts.

Arians earlier said he'd play Thomas for at least the first half. But that was before Thomas failed to inspire confidence at Wednesday's practice.

Thomas has appeared in two games, completing 1 of 9 throws. Starter Drew Stanton (knee) is not expected to be ready until the playoffs.

Arizona remains a 6-point underdog Sunday.

'No plans on how long' QB Logan Thomas plays Sunday

by Larry Hartstein | CBSSports.com

(12/25/14) After earlier saying Cardinals quarterback Logan Thomas would play at least the first half Sunday at San Francisco, coach Bruce Arians said there are "no plans on how long" the rookie will play, reports ESPN.com. Thomas will be making his first start after Ryan Lindley predictably flopped Week 16 against Seattle.

Thomas has appeared in two games, completing 1 of 9 passes. That completion was an 81-yard touchdown to running back Andre Ellington.

Quarterback Drew Stanton (knee) isn't expected to be ready until the playoffs, so Lindley is the only option behind Thomas. Lindley has zero touchdowns and eight interceptions in 225 career pass attempts. Arizona has not scored a touchdown in its past two games.

A 6-6, 250-pounder out of Virginia Tech, Thomas had a "shaky" start to Wednesday's practice before finishing "pretty strong," according to Arians.

Arizona is a 6-point underdog Sunday. The line opened at 4.5 before bettors pounced on the 49ers.

Despite their offensive struggles, the Cardinals can win the NFC West with a victory and a Seattle loss to the Rams.

Ryan Lindley will compete for a roster spot with the Cardinals this season as a backup quarterback. Even if he makes the final roster he has minimal Fantasy value. Ignore him in the majority of leagues on Draft Day.
(Updated 6/4/14)